STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The District Mineral Office (DMO) Jammu has taken stringent action against multiple illegal stone crushing units operating in the Gharota area following media reports and field inspections.
On March 19, 2026, the DMO, along with its inspection team, visited several stone crusher units across the district and discovered substantial quantities of unaccounted minor minerals, including crushed bajri, dust, sand, and nallah muck.
These findings were in direct violation of the J&K Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016 (SRO-105).
At M/S DPS Stone Crusher, Jammu, officials found 300 MT of crushed bajri, 400 MT of dust, and 150 MT of sand-totaling 850 MT of unaccounted minerals. The unit has been issued a penalty of Rs 3,56,235. Similarly, at M/S Sharma Stone Crusher, Jammu, 120 MT of crushed bajri and 300 MT of dust, totaling 420 MT, were found unrecorded, attracting a penalty of Rs 1,88,496.
The inspection at M/S K.N. Stone Crusher, Jammu revealed 120 MT of crushed bajri, 350 MT of dust, and 50 MT of Nallah muck-a total of 700 MT of unaccounted mineral stock. The DMO imposed a penalty of Rs 2,24,961 on this unit. At M/S Shiva Stone Crusher, Jammu, 300 MT of crushed bajri and 300 MT of dust, totaling 600 MT, were found without valid records, and a penalty of Rs 2,69,280 was issued. A spokesperson from DMO Jammu stated, “The inspections were aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and ensuring compliance with the Minor Mineral Rules, 2016. The unaccounted mineral stock discovered at these units is deemed illegally sourced, and strict action has been taken against the owners.”
The units have been directed to deposit the penalty amounts in the official DMO Account No. 0493040500000020, J&K Bank Ambphalla, IFSC Code: JKAOAMPHLA within seven days of issuance. Failure to comply will result in immediate suspension of operations, blocking of portal credentials, and seizure of the unaccounted minerals under Section 21 of the MMDR Act, 1957.
Officials emphasized that these measures are part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal mining, ensure lawful exploitation of mineral resources, and protect both the environment and public interest. The DMO reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement and warned other units to comply with regulations to avoid similar action.